Description
Mariah Carey – #1’s – Compact Disc
Mariah Carey’s #1’s, released on November 17, 1998, is a greatest hits compilation celebrating the unparalleled success of one of the most iconic voices in pop and R&B history. This album collects 13 of Carey’s chart-topping hits from the first eight years of her career, along with four new tracks, offering a testament to her dominance of the Billboard Hot 100 during the 1990s.
With iconic songs like Vision of Love, Hero, Always Be My Baby, and Fantasy, #1’s highlights Carey’s exceptional range as a vocalist and songwriter. It also includes new tracks such as When You Believe (a duet with Whitney Houston) and I Still Believe, showcasing her ability to continuously evolve while maintaining her status as a global superstar. The compilation was a massive commercial success, debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 17 million copies worldwide.
By 1998, Mariah Carey had already established herself as a record-breaking artist. She burst onto the scene in 1990 with her self-titled debut album, which spawned four consecutive No. 1 hits—a feat rarely matched by any artist. Over the course of the decade, Carey redefined pop and R&B, blending heartfelt ballads with infectious dance tracks, while pioneering collaborations between pop singers and hip-hop artists.
#1’s was released as a celebration of Carey’s extraordinary achievement of earning 13 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, a record for any solo artist at the time. The album was also designed to introduce her catalog to international markets, where Carey’s popularity was continuing to grow exponentially.
The compilation reflects Mariah Carey’s versatility, spanning a range of styles from emotive ballads to upbeat pop and hip-hop-infused tracks. Her powerful vocal performances, marked by her signature whistle register and emotive phrasing, remain the centerpiece of each song. Themes of love, heartbreak, resilience, and self-empowerment run through the collection, showcasing her ability to connect deeply with listeners.
The new tracks on #1’s demonstrate Carey’s ability to stay relevant and evolve with changing musical trends, offering a mix of traditional pop ballads and contemporary sounds.
Track Highlights
Vision of Love
Carey’s debut single and the song that introduced her to the world, this iconic ballad set the tone for her career with its gospel-inspired vocals and heartfelt lyrics.
Love Takes Time
A tender ballad about heartbreak, showcasing Carey’s vocal control and emotional depth.
Someday
A playful and upbeat track, blending pop and dance with a touch of sass, highlighting Carey’s early versatility.
Emotions
A disco-inspired anthem that lets Carey’s soaring whistle notes shine, making it one of her most vocally demanding songs.
Dreamlover
A breezy, feel-good pop tune that became a summer anthem, blending R&B and pop seamlessly.
Hero
One of Carey’s most inspirational ballads, this song became an anthem of self-empowerment and resilience, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
Fantasy (featuring O.D.B.)
A groundbreaking track that fused pop and hip-hop, paving the way for future collaborations between the two genres.
Always Be My Baby
A playful and sweet track with a timeless quality, this song remains one of Carey’s most beloved hits.
Honey
Marking a shift in Carey’s style, this sultry track blends R&B and hip-hop, reflecting her growing creative control over her music.
My All
A passionate ballad that incorporates Latin influences, showcasing Carey’s ability to innovate within her signature sound.
I Still Believe
A lush ballad and tribute to Brenda K. Starr, who helped launch Carey’s career. This track highlights Carey’s deep emotional resonance.
When You Believe (with Whitney Houston)
A powerhouse duet with Whitney Houston from the Prince of Egypt soundtrack, blending their legendary voices in an uplifting ballad about faith and perseverance.
Sweetheart
A collaboration with Jermaine Dupri, this upbeat track adds a playful vibe to the compilation.
The overarching themes of #1’s reflect Carey’s ability to connect with universal emotions—love, loss, hope, and triumph. Tracks like Hero and When You Believe inspire strength and perseverance, while songs like Vision of Love and My All delve into vulnerability and longing. The combination of deeply personal ballads and infectious pop hits ensures the compilation resonates with a wide audience.
#1’s received positive reviews from critics, who praised the track selection and Carey’s vocal brilliance. The album was a commercial juggernaut, selling over 5 million copies in the U.S. and becoming one of Carey’s best-selling releases worldwide.
The inclusion of new material further solidified Carey’s relevance in the ever-evolving music landscape. When You Believe earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song, and I Still Believe became another charting hit, extending Carey’s dominance into the late 1990s.
The success of #1’s reaffirmed Mariah Carey’s status as one of the greatest and most influential artists in music history. Her ability to dominate charts with a mix of ballads and innovative genre-blending tracks set a standard for pop stars that followed. The compilation also underscored Carey’s role as a pioneer in merging pop and hip-hop, a trend that became a hallmark of 2000s music.
Carey’s track record of No. 1 hits and her genre-defying approach to music have inspired countless artists, including Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson. #1’s remains a cultural touchstone for its encapsulation of one of the most successful runs in music history.
Mariah Carey’s #1’s is not just a celebration of her record-breaking career—it’s a masterclass in pop and R&B excellence. The compilation captures the breadth of her talent, from her soul-stirring ballads to her boundary-pushing collaborations, solidifying her legacy as a musical icon. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering her catalog for the first time, #1’s offers a definitive look at the career of an artist who shaped the sound of a generation.
First career retrospective released worldwide. It features five new recordings (four were released as singles):
Sweetheart – duet with Jermaine Dupri
When You Believe (from The Prince Of Egypt) – duet with Whitney Houston
Whenever You Call – duet with Brian McKnight (remake of the solo version from the album Butterfly)
I Still Believe (cover of Brenda K. Starr’s 1987 recording)
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Sweetheart
When You Believe
Whenever You Call
My All
Honey
Always Be My Baby
One Sweet Day
Fantasy
Hero
Dreamlover
I’ll Be There
Emotions
I Don’t Wanna Cry
Someday
Love Takes Time
Vision Of Love
I Still Believe
